FLATIRON LOUNGE

37 West 19th Street

New York, NY 10011

(212) 727-7741

Cocktail lounges in New York are plentiful enough to be verging on common. That's good. But there's something about a place that isn't hidden, isn't banking its self-worth on being exclusive. It's nice to be able to just walk into a joint and have a drink without a game. Flatiron Lounge loudly proclaims itself through with a flag the size a king size bed flapping at its second story and there's no waiting game to get in. This can mean that sometimes you'll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with people, but it also means that sometimes, you can just wander in off the street with no plans, mosey up to the bar and have a great drink.

As I may have implied, I've been to Flatiron Lounge quite a few times, but never got around to writing about it. Early imbibers will be welcomed by warm jazz, a very light crowd, and personal service by the bartender. Later guests should come equipped with the patience to wait a long time for the bartender notice you, should not expect to sit down, and should expect a loud, club-like atmosphere. Two very different sides of the same coin. Naturally, I think that Flatiron Lounge is best enjoyed before it gets too late and becomes a loud bar filled standing-room-only with yuppies. Flatiron Lounge is amazing during the pre-dinner hours but unbearable once the bankers and arm candy starts coming in. 

 

I was so happy when Elbie and I walked in on a Saturday night at 7 to find that the sweet spot had yet to expire. Rarely do I find myself in the kind of company that requires one of Flatiron's crescent-shaped booths that can accommodate eight. Instead, take a seat by the bar and order something nice. Elbie tried the Pisco Punch, a sweet drink made mostly of pisco and pineapple. It's a classic and there's no reason not to go with the classics at this art-deco cocktail point. I had a Loving Cup. Rum, guava, lemon and Swedish Punsch, a classic rum-sugar-spices liqueur. Both drinks brought out the summer feelings that the unseasonably warm temperatures have, at late, been inspiring.

On a number of occasions Bro and I made plans to follow in mine and Elbie's footsteps with an early drink before dinner (they open at 4), but sadly, circumstances prevented it.

Cocktails at Flatiron Lounge, with tax and tip, should be expected to run you about $15 each. The menu of cocktails is a big one, so the odds are, they're going to have your poison.

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